What does 2 Corinthians 12:13 mean?

Explanation

2 Corinthians 12:13 is a verse in which the Apostle Paul is addressing the church in Corinth with a degree of irony.

On the surface, Paul is seemingly asking for forgiveness for a "wrong" he did to the Corinthians, which is that he was not a financial burden to them as he refused to accept support from them for his ministry.

In the context of the letter, Paul is defending his apostleship and responding to accusations from false apostles who have influenced the church.

His "wrong" is a rhetorical device, as he sarcastically suggests that by providing for his own needs, he treated the Corinthians as inferior to other churches that supported him financially.

However, the underlying message is that true apostolic ministry is not about personal gain, and Paul's refusal to be burdensome was, in fact, a measure of his authenticity and his care for the church.

Historical Context

The second letter to the Corinthians was written by Paul in the mid-first century A.D., likely between 55 and 57 A.D. The city of Corinth was a cosmopolitan hub in ancient Greece and was known for its wealth, diverse population, and religious pluralism.

It was also a place where various itinerant teachers and apostles would have come through, some of whom may have been claiming authority or success based on financial support or eloquent speech.

Paul's ministry style differed greatly, as he often worked with his hands to support himself, to avoid any suggestion that he was preaching for profit.

In this verse, Paul is addressing concerns regarding his apostolic authority and practicing what later Christian tradition would call the virtue of apostolic poverty.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Paul's self-support can be seen as an embodiment of his teaching on Christian freedom and servant leadership.

Paul did not want to be an economic burden so that the Gospel could not be accused of being a means for material gain.

Paul is suggesting that his approach to ministry is in line with Jesus' teachings on servant leadership (Mark 10:42-45).

From a different theological angle, some might argue that this approach exemplifies Paul’s dedication to his mission and the importance of self-sacrifice in Christian ministry.

Theologically, this verse has often been used to discuss the virtue of humility in leaders and how they should relate to their communities.

Practical Applications

In today's world, 2 Corinthians 12:13 can inspire religious leaders and laypersons to consider their own motives in ministry or service. It urges authenticity and servant leadership that prioritizes the well-being of others over personal gain.

The verse can also be used to question modern practices around financial compensation in ministry, prompting discussions on how to balance fair support for those in full-time ministry with the need to avoid commercializing the gospel.

Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 9:12 - "If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ."
• Acts 20:33-34 - "I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.

Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me."

• 2 Corinthians 11:9 - "And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself."
• 2 Corinthians 2:17 - "For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ."

Language Study

In the original Greek, the key phrases in this verse are:

• "ἐν τίνι ἠττηθήτε" (en tini ēttēthēte) - translated as "in what were you inferior," which conveys a sense of being made less or deficient compared to others.
• "ἐν τῷ μὴ βαρῶς ὑμῖν ἐγενόμην" (en tō mē barōs hymin egenomēn) - translates to "in that I was not burdensome to you," with "barōs" referring to being heavy or burdensome, an economic metaphor.
• "χαρίσασθέ μοι τὴν ἀδικίαν ταύτην" (charisasthē moi tēn adikian tautēn) - meaning "forgive me this wrong," where "adikian" usually denotes wrongdoing or injustice; here, it is used ironically.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Paul's insistence on self-sufficiency and not being burdensome can be contrasted with other religious figures from the same era who might have demanded support from their followers. For example, traveling philosophers of the Cynic and Stoic schools sometimes relied on patrons for support.

Additionally, this concept of an unburdened teacher could draw parallels to Eastern traditions, such as Buddhism, where teachers often live ascetic lives and are supported by lay communities without pressure.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, this verse doesn't directly intersect with modern scientific understanding.

However, the concept of psychological well-being and self-efficacy aligns with Paul's approach to self-support.

The psychological principle of autonomy, a critical aspect of self-determination theory, reflects a person's ability to feel in control of their behavior and goals, which could be seen as parallel to Paul's decision not to be financially dependent on others.

Commentaries

Experts and scholars offer various interpretations of this verse.

Some view Paul's statement as a means of pointing out the Corinthians' inconsistencies and provoke them to recognize his genuine care for them.

Others focus on the contrast between Paul's genuine apostleship and the motives of the "super-apostles" who were leading the Corinthians astray.

John Calvin, for example, saw it as a dignified rebuke of their ingratitude.

Contemporary scholars like N.

T.

Wright suggest that Paul's refusal to accept support may have been a strategic choice to distinguish himself from other teachers and to prevent any misunderstanding of his motives.